Troubleshooting the Windows Error 0x00000709

[nerdslife_team]

Hey everyone,

Running into the “0x00000709 Operation could not be completed” error when trying to set a default printer on Windows? It’s a pretty common issue that usually pops up when there’s a conflict with your printer setup. It can be super frustrating, preventing you from configuring a printer. Let’s explore some things you can try to fix it.

Method 1: Grant the necessary user permissions

Sometimes, the error pops up because your account doesn’t have the necessary permissions to configure the printer. Let’s fix that:

1. Open the Registry Editor by typing registry editor into the Start menu and selecting “Run as administrator”.
   
   
2. In the Registry Editor, navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Windows.
   
   
3. Right-click on the Windows folder on the left and choose “Permissions”.
   
   
4. In the “Permissions” window, make sure that both “SYSTEM” and “Administrator” accounts have full control. If not, check the “Allow” boxes next to “Full Control” for both. You might need to manually add the accounts if they aren’t listed.
   
   
5. Save your changes and close the Registry Editor, then try adding the printer again. If the error persists, also try giving “Full Control” permissions to the “Everyone” account.

Method 2: Modify the PointandPrint registry key

The PointandPrint settings in the registry can sometimes be the source of this error. Here’s how to tweak them:

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator by searching for command prompt in the Start menu and clicking “Run as administrator”.
   
   
2. Copy and paste this command into the command prompt, then press Enter:
   reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows NT\Printers\PointAndPrint" /v RestrictDriverInstallationToAdministrators /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f
   
   
3. Restart your computer and then give your printer setup another go.

Method 3: Modify the Remote Procedure Call connection settings

If the problem persists, fiddling with Remote Procedure Call settings might help. Note that the Group Policy Editor isn’t available on Windows Home editions, so this won’t work for you if you have that version.

1. Search for group policy editor in the Start menu and open it.
   
   
2. In the Group Policy Editor, navigate to “Computer Configuration” > “Administrative Templates” > “Printers”.
   
   
3. On the right side, double-click on “Configure RPC connection settings”.
   
   
4. Click the “Enabled” radio button.
   
   
5. In the “Protocol to use for outgoing RPC connections” drop-down menu, choose “RPC over named pipes”.
   
   
6. Click “Apply” and then “OK”. Restart your computer. If this doesn’t help, go back into the Group Policy Editor and select “RPC over TCP”. You can also try disabling authentication from the “Use authentication for outgoing RPC connections” drop-down menu.
   
   

Method 4: Rename the printer using Registry Editor

Another way to tackle this error is to rename your printer through the Registry Editor.

1. Open the Registry Editor as admin (search for registry editor in the start menu, and click “Run as administrator”).
   
   
2. Navigate to Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Windows.
   
   
3. Double-click on “Device” in the right pane.
   
   
4. Enter your printer’s name in the “Value data” field, click “OK” and then restart your computer.
   
   

Note: Make sure to backup your registry before making changes as incorrect modifications can cause system problems.

Method 5: Stop Windows from automatically managing the default printer

Windows sometimes interferes with printer configurations. Disabling its auto-management feature might be the solution.

1. Open the Settings app, then click “Bluetooth & devices” on the left panel.
   
   
2. Click on “Printers & scanners”.
   
   
3. Turn off the “Let Windows manage my default printer” toggle switch.
   
   

Method 6: Restart Print Spooler service

Sometimes, the print spooler service goes rogue. A restart can often fix things.

1. Open the Start menu, type services, and click “Run as administrator”.
   
   
2. Scroll down to “Print Spooler”, right-click it, and select “Restart”.
   
   
3. After the service restarts, reconnect your printer and try setting it up again.

Method 7: Update printer drivers

Outdated drivers can also cause trouble. Let’s try updating them.

1. Right-click the Start button and click “Device Manager”.
   
   
2. In Device Manager, expand “Universal Serial Bus controllers”.
   
   
3. Right-click on “USB Composite Device” and select “Update driver”.
   
   
4. Click on “Search automatically for drivers”.
   
   
5. If Windows finds a new driver, it will install it. Restart your PC afterwards, and then try setting up your printer.

Method 8: Try running the printer troubleshooter

Windows has a built-in troubleshooter that can automatically identify and fix common printer issues.

1. Open the Settings app (Win + I shortcut), and select “System” on the left.
   
   
2. Scroll down and click “Troubleshoot” on the right side.
   
   
3. Click “Other troubleshooters”.
   
   
4. Find “Printer” and click “Run”.
   
   
5. Follow the on-screen instructions from the troubleshooter.
   
   

Method 9: Check other connected printers

Sometimes having multiple connected printers can cause conflicts.

Disconnect all printers, leaving only the one you want as default connected. After setting it up, reconnect the others.

Method 10: Uninstall Windows Updates

If the error started happening after a recent Windows update, try uninstalling it.

1. Open the Settings app and click “Windows Update” at the bottom left.
   
   
2. Click on “Update history”.
   
   
3. Scroll down and click on “Uninstall updates”.
   
   
4. Select the update to remove, and click “Uninstall”. Then, restart your computer and try again.
   
   

Things to keep in mind

• Double-check your printer’s name and ensure it’s properly connected to your network. Make sure your cables are good and connected securely.
• A hard reset can help. Turn off your computer and unplug the printer (including network cables), wait a couple of minutes, and then reconnect and restart. If you have a wireless printer, make sure it’s on the same network as your PC. Then restart the print spooler service as mentioned earlier.
• Disconnect extra devices while troubleshooting to rule out interference.

Hope this helps someone out!